This bill mandates biennial LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for educators, healthcare professionals, and State employees in New Jersey. It amends current law to require the Commissioner of Education to provide a mandatory training module for K-12 educators, which will cover topics such as LGBTQ+ identities and terminology, creating inclusive classrooms, responding to bullying and bias, and supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ students. Additionally, healthcare professionals licensed under Title 45 must complete a similar biennial training that focuses on creating inclusive healthcare environments and supporting LGBTQ+ patients' mental health.
Furthermore, the bill establishes that all part-time, full-time, and contract State employees must undergo a biennial LGBTQ+ cultural competency training program provided by the State Ethics Commission. This training will address LGBTQ+ identities and terminology, creating an inclusive workplace, responding to bias, and supporting LGBTQ+ mental health in the workplace. The bill aims to enhance understanding and support for LGBTQ+ individuals across various sectors in the state.